DARDEN SMITH

Marathon

2010-09-17

I think I've found the godfather of local artist Drew Nelson. Veteran singer-songwriter sings thoughtful, contemplative numbers that hang together thematically - and while Drew helps us understand our own backyards here in Michigan, Smith describes the broad and sometimes desolate expanse of West Texas ("75 Miles of Nothing" is an apt thesis statement). He's performed this entire set on stage with a band and an orchestra, as if it were a long symphony movement. "Sierra Diablo,""Bull by the Horns,""Don't It Go to Show" and "Over My Beating Heart" are the most immediately approachable songs, the easiest to pull out of the intended start-to-finish opus. 09/10 MJVD F-Americana (Texas)

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 06/2006

    The Del McCoury Band
    The Promised Land

  • reviewed 03/2008

    JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
    The Good Life

  • reviewed 03/2008

    Various Artists
    Our Side of Town: A Red House Records 25th Anniversary Collection

  • reviewed 05/2007

    SONNY SMITH
    Fruitvale

  • reviewed 09/2008

    MICHAEL DOUCET
    FROM NOW ON

  • reviewed 02/2005

    Holly Williams
    The Ones We Never Knew

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.